The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Port Harcourt Operations Office, in collaboration with the Bayelsa State Emergency Management Agency (BYSEMA), has recently conducted an on-the-spot assessment of the recent flood disaster that ravaged Adagbabiri and Sagbama communities in the Sagbama Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
The assessment team observed that the combination of persistent torrential rainfall, the low-lying topography of the affected areas, and their proximity to riverbanks were the primary factors contributing to the flood incident.
The assessment was prompted by reports of extensive flooding that had devastated farmlands, homes, and roads in the two communities. The joint team’s visit was aimed at verifying the extent of the damage, identifying urgent humanitarian needs, and formulating appropriate recommendations for relief intervention.
Mr. Eric Ebhodaghe, the Head of NEMA Port Harcourt Operations Office, dispatched the assessment team. The team was led by Mr. Felix Akakara, Assistant Chief Search and Rescue Officer, and included Hon. Ernest Akuna, Director of Training and Development, BYSEMA. The delegation was received by the Community Development Committee (CDC) chairmen of both communities, who offered firsthand accounts of the flood’s impact.
The damage has been extensive, particularly affecting the local economy. It was noted that most of the displaced persons have sought temporary refuge in the homes of relatives within the same communities.
Community leaders used the opportunity to appeal for immediate assistance from the Federal Government through NEMA to help cushion the effects of the disaster and provide essential support to affected households.
